Indian Navy (IN) alias Bharatiya Nau Sena is the Naval branch of the
armed forces of India whose history can be traced back to 1612. It is
the world's fifth largest and reliable three dimensional force, capable
of operating above, on and under surfaces of the oceans. Navy is responsible
for the Defence and security of India's maritime interests. A fleet of
submarines, destroyers, freights and other support vessels operate under
the Indian Navy.

The glorious and challenging career in Indian navy is entirely different
from other professions. Besides giving an opportunity for the youngsters
to display their leadership skills, this career bestows one with a tremendous
amount of responsibility. It is a profession which gives a highest level
of security and comfort that is almost unheard of in civilian life together
with the chance to travel widely, meet new people and to enjoy warmth
and amity. A career in Indian Navy offers immense facilities, a privileged
lifestyle, a unique way of exploring ones life and of course, honour in
serving the country.

Earlier, Indian Navy was known as 'Honourable East India Company's Marine'
and by 1686 the name of this force was changed to Bombay Marine, as the
British commerce having shifted predominantly to Bombay. Later the force
had varied names like Her Majesty's Indian Navy (in 1830), Her Majesty's
Indian Marine (during 1863 to 1877) and Royal Indian Marine (in 1892).
In 1934, the Royal Indian Marine was re-organised into the Royal Indian
Navy and the prefix 'Royal' was dropped on 26 January 1950 with India
being constituted as a Republic.

The highest post in the Indian Navy is the position of the Chief of the
Naval Staff (CNS). CNS exercises operational and administrative control
of the Indian Navy from Integrated Headquarters of MOD (Navy). He is assisted
by the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS) and three other Principal
Staff Officers, namely the Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (DCNS), the
Chief of Personnel (COP) and the Chief of Material (COM).

The Indian Navy operates three commands, each under the control of a
Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief in the rank of Vice Admiral. The three
Commands are:

The Western Naval Command (Headquarters at Mumbai).

The Eastern Naval Command (Head quarters at Visakhapatnam)

The Southern Naval Command (Headquarters at Kochi)

The Western and the Eastern Naval Command are operational commands and
exercise control over operations in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal
respectively. The Southern Command is designed as the Training Command,
operating on the Arabian Sea. Besides these, the navy has important bases
in Kolkata and Goa.

Women were inducted into the Indian navy for the first time in 1992,
when twenty-two women were trained for education, logistics, and law cadres.
Service conditions are same for men and women officers.

A career in Indian navy is always in high demand as it is a profession
which offers personal, financial, emotional security and status in the
society. The Navy also offers attractive pay package, perks, life time
pension, medical benefits for self and family. In fact, the experience
that you gain in the Navy can help you shape your future through outstanding
financial benefits, unparalleled career potential, and the lifestyle of
freedom and personal growth that you’ve been waiting for. Besides,
Navy has a dedicated organisation to give opportunities to its personnel
for participation in all kinds of adventure activities (Para Sailing,
Mountaineering, Scuba Diving, Hang Gliding, Skiing, water sports etc)
and all kinds of sports activities.

Officer and Sailor cadres are the major lines of work in the Indian Navy.
One has to serve Indian Navy for a minimum period of 15 years as general
sailor Or 20 years as Artificer Or 20 years as Officer. After that, they
are qualified for a generous pension. Those who join Navy at 20 years
of age, could choose to retire from service with an assured monthly pay
check for the rest of your life by the age of 35 to 40. And even after
retirement, one could enjoy the canteen and medical facilities as you
did while in service.